Asthma itself is a condition which is portrayed as quite "troublesome" in many ads trying to promote inhalers. The ads have tried to show how asthmatic individuals are deprived from participating in playful activities and ventures. And every one of us are aware of the common "disabling" symptoms of pregnancy in the form of cramping, hormone fluctuations, vomiting, nausea and morning sickness. So can you draw a picture about the dual impact of these conditions on the same human being? Asthma happens to be one of the most common lung problems in pregnancy.
Asthma affects around 7 to 8 percent of pregnant women in India. The effects of pregnancy on asthma vary from person to person. Studies have shown that women tend to report the worsening of symptoms during 24-34 weeks of pregnancy. It has also been seen that only one in ten women suffering from asthma has an attack during labor. If you are already suffering from asthma before you conceive, even greater care is needed.
The Risks Associated With Asthma During Pregnancy
Most women who suffer from asthma have perfectly normal, healthy babies. However if asthma is not controlled, then it can result in a deficient supply of oxygen to the growing fetus and this increases the risk of low birth weight. Uncontrolled asthma can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as premature labor, still birth, preeclampsia (characterized by swelling, high blood pressure and protein in the urine) and excessive vomiting.
The Tips to Manage Asthma During Pregnancy
- Keep Your Home Clean: Keep your home dust free, and change the bed linen, curtains and sofa covers timely. Make sure there aren't any dust mites, cockroaches and other insects around.
- Avoid Getting Close to Furry/Feathery Pets: Stay away from furry and feathered pets if you know that you are allergic or in case if you develop an allergy.
- Eat Proper Foods to Boost Up Your Immunity: Eat foods rich in vitamins A, E and C. This will keep your immune system strong and will protect you from infections like cold and flu which may further aggravate your asthma symptoms. Some studies have also suggested that including apples and fish in your diet may lower the risk of asthma.
- Wear a Mask if You Step Outdoors: If you are allergic of pollens and spores, then try staying indoors, especially when it's windy outside. And don't forget to wear a mask while stepping outside.
- Avoid Inhaling Any Type of Smoke: Smoking triggers asthma. Apart from the much defamed tobacco smoke, kitchen fumes, air pollution and vehicular exhaust, smoke from fireworks, crackers, incense sticks can also act as triggers. Ensure the passage of fresh air in your home and avoid sitting in cramped smoky areas.
- Avoid Iced Drinks: Some women may be triggered by the intake of iced drinks. Hence, care should be taken to stay warm and to drink fluids at room temperature to avoid asthma attacks.
- Practice Care While Eating Processed Foods: In some sensitive individuals, food colors and preservatives used in tinned or processed foods may act as the triggers. In this case, women must be careful while eating convenience foods.
- Change Your Exercise Regime: If exertion or exercise causes asthma, then check with your doctor who will advise you on an alternative exercise plan.
- Avoid Strong Smelling Substances: Strong smelling perfumes, deodorants, cleaning fluids, paints and sprays should be avoided.
- Perform Yoga to Get De-Stressed: Stress and anxiety may trigger an asthma attack in many women. In such cases, they should opt for yoga, pranayam and pregnancy related exercises to keep stress away from their lives.
Pregnancy is a phase that brings you on a celebration mood. You need to enjoy each and every new development that pregnancy brings for you from time to time. Accepting things the way they are will allow you to cope up with the changes that life will bring for you. Listen to your body, to your doctor and to your baby and you will be able to adjust to the changes more easily.
